The rumor suggested the Hulk would be sent into space at the end of "The Avengers" sequel, setting up the stand alone film based on the highly popular comic storyline.

No script is yet done for "The Avengers 2," and Whedon says the sequel will be more inspired by classic sequels in other genres that other superhero sequels:

"I've got the next story, and it's a corker. I haven't even been thinking in terms of superhero movies. The films I've been thinking about are The Godfather: Part II and Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back. Those are the stars by which I chart my course."